Stepping up praise for running duo | Rotorua News | Local News in Rotorua

If you've taken part in the Rotorua Marathon, Ekiden relay, half marathon or any Lake City Athletic Club races, chances are you've seen Phil and Christine Kerrison.

Their usual marathon position, once they've helped pack goodie bags, register runners and set up marshalling points, is on the corner of Te Ngae and Owhata roads.

Last weekend they were learning the ropes to take over organising the Red Stag Redwood Relay event.

Their contribution to events led to Lake City club captain Jason Steyn-Ross nominating the pair for this week's Daily Post Local Hero although they were quick to point out many people contributed.

"[Lake City] are a good group of people," Mr Kerrison said.

"There are a lot of people in the club who give up their time so that others can race. We get to go in events and we appreciate as a competitor the time and effort you know has gone in behind the scenes to make it happen."

The couple joined the club when they moved to Rotorua from Nelson in 1988. They took a few years off - instead driving their sons across the country for hockey matches - but have always had some involvement.

They both still run and hope to be selected for Lake City's team at the national road relays next month.

"Even when we weren't club members we helped with the marathon," Mr Kerrison said.

"I'd like to think we'll be involved with the club when we're not running. They're a good group of people to be associated with."

Mrs Kerrison said she was "really surprised" to be nominated.

"It's putting something back in," is how she described her reasons for volunteering.

"Whether you're running or not, you still get satisfaction from turning up and helping."

They help out at the half marathon, marathon, Red Stag Redwood relays and the Ekiden. This year they organised the Minster Cup race in the Lake City race calendar.

"We had to find a new course," Mr Kerrison said.

"We got good feedback and that's the reward you get."

 

LOCAL HERO
Volunteers of the Week Phil and Christine Kerrison receive an $85 meal voucher courtesy of the Distinction Hotel. If you know of a volunteer who deserves recognition, contact Alison King on (07) 348 6199 ext 57048 or at alison.king@dailypost.co.nz